The present study is designed as a prospective observational study directed at evaluating the frequency, magnitude, quality and persistence (primary endpoint) of the anti-Tat immune response in HIV-1 infected asymptomatic individuals, and to prospectively evaluate the immunological, virological and clinical outcome of anti-Tat positive versus anti-Tat negative drug naїve subjects (secondary endpoint) in order to determine the impact of anti-Tat immunity on HIV disease progression as well as the potential use of anti-Tat immune response assessment for the clinical and therapeutic management of infected patients. This survey provided important information for the design, planning and conduction of future therapeutic vaccine trials based on the HIV-1 Tat protein in asymptomatic subjects.

Specific humoral and cellular immune responses to Tat will be monitored by assessing anti-Tat specific antibodies in sera, proliferative response (CFSE) and production of γIFN, IL-4 and IL-2 (Elispot) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Secondary Outcome Measures:

The decline of CD4+ T cells count, the increase of the HIV plasma viral load or the occurrence of AIDS-defining events will be assessed to determine the progression to disease

Current therapy with immunomodulators or immunosuppressive drugs or chemotherapy for neoplastic disorders

Concomitant treatment for HBV or HCV infection

Contacts and Locations

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01029548